The equitable distribution of marital property and the award of maintenance are central issues in many divorce cases. A case from the Supreme Court, Nassau County, involving a long-term marriage and disputes over the division of a jewelry business and the awarding of maintenance, provides a clear illustration of these…
Divorce proceedings often involve disputes that extend beyond financial and custodial issues, sometimes requiring courts to address matters like communication and speech. In a case decided by the Supreme Court of Westchester County, the court reviewed restrictions on the defendant’s communication with employees of the plaintiff’s employer and on both…
In New York, when a parent has overpaid child support, they may be entitled to a credit for excess payments. This credit applies to future child support obligations. The process usually requires a formal court order or a judge’s decision confirming the overpayment and approving the credit. This situation often…
In Admin. for Children’s Servs. v. Ketly M, the Family Court of Kings County addressed allegations of child neglect against a stepmother. The case raised questions about the use of corporal punishment and its legal limits. The court found that the stepmother had neglected one child through excessive corporal punishment…
Permanency hearings are critical in child welfare cases, ensuring that children placed in the care of social services have stable and appropriate long-term plans. In Matter of Malazah W. and Malikah W., the Family Court addressed the permanency goal for two children removed from their mother’s care due to neglect.…
A New York family offense order of protection is a legal directive issued by the Family Court to safeguard individuals from abuse or harassment by a family member or someone with a close relationship. It is available in cases involving allegations of domestic violence or family offenses such as assault,…
In a case addressing allegations of sexual abuse and derivative neglect, the Family Court, Richmond County, issued an order that found Alquiber R., Sr., responsible for sexually abusing his stepson, Joshua P., and derivatively neglecting his two biological children, Luis P. and Alquiber R. The decision underscores the court’s role…
In JJ v. TW, 70 Misc. 3d 1225 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2021), among other things, the plaintiff requested that the court terminate spousal support. An interesting aspect of New York law when it comes to spousal support modification is that the Family Court Act and the Domestic Relations Law outline…
Common law marriage is a legal concept that recognizes a couple as married without the need for a formal ceremony or marriage license. It typically arises when a couple lives together for a certain period of time and holds themselves out as married, presenting themselves to others as spouses. In…
This case centered on a post-divorce dispute involving modifications to child support and maintenance obligations. The plaintiff appealed orders and judgments that adjusted the defendant’s financial responsibilities, arguing against the decisions rendered by the Supreme Court, Kings County. The appeals revolved around procedural defaults, the emancipation of the parties’ child,…